M³: Maddy and Megan at the Movies

Family Friendly Movie Reviews



Monday, September 20, 2010

Inception

The movie Inception was praised as one of the best movies of the year. However, I do not feel that way. I think this movie was too complicated for its length. The producers crammed too much information into its plot. This makes the film very hard to follow. Some claim that the ending pieces the whole movie together. But really it leaves you with a question. What are the dreams and what is real? Unfortunately this puzzling concept does not cover up all of its other confusing factors. The beginning makes no sense when you are viewing it. I must admit that later on in the movie it was explained to me but I was still confused. The concept of performing "Inception" is difficult to grasp. It takes a while to think about exactly WHAT it is. I know it may seem that I am rambling, but I just don't have the patience to piece this together right now. I guess I can say that I enjoyed watching the actors on screen. Each did a fantastic job playing their roles. I can say that this movie is really enjoyable to watch in large groups. But I do not think it worth seeing on your own.
Rated PG-13
Thumbs were cut off.
-Megan

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Chicken Little

This is the classic story of one little chicken who thought the sky was falling, but with a twist. What if Chicken Little not only was hit by a piece of the sky, but it wasn't just a piece of the sky? What if it was a piece of an alien space ship, and then the alien parents left their kid behind accidentally? Well, this is what happens, and Chicken Little, and his gang of outcast friends, are the only ones who can return the kid to his parents, even when there is a full-blown alien invasion looked for the adorable fuzzball.

This movie is a quality family film. Kids will love the town of talking animals, along with the aliens who look like Furbies mated with Trolls. Parents will enjoy it as well. I still love watching this movie, and I've seen it tons of times. Highly recommended.

Rated PG
4 stars out of 5
-Maddy

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

I, Robot

In a world in the near-future, robots are common. These robots protect humans, serve us, and are completely devoted. Nothing could go wrong, and everyone knows that. Except for Detective Spooner (Will Smith). Spooner doesn't believe that robots are as nice or benign as the media would believe, and he is determined to prove it when the top robot designer and inventor "commits suicide" in the company of Sonny, the only robot with seemingly human intelligence. Sonny can even dream. With a shipment of a new model coming out into the public, Spooner does everything he can to prove he's right about the murderous robot.

I'm going to come out and say it: I love this movie. It is a typical action movie in some respects, but in others, it shows creativity. Smith plays the strong, handsome rebel desperate to prove what he knows is right. Sonny is the villian who is just plain misunderstood, or cunning and evil. There isn't the typical blonde bombshell in this film, but rather a plain but brilliant doctor, Calvin, played by Bridget Moynahan, which is very refreshing. Once the movie is over, the viewer will realize how unique it is. However, don't be tricked. There is no mention of Apple products in this movie.

Rated PG-13
4 stars out of 5
-Maddy

Friday, June 4, 2010

Prince of Persia: Sands of Time

Based on a popular video game, Prince of Persia: Sands of Time is about, well, a prince of Persia named Dastan. However, this is no ordinary prince. He was adopted by the king when he was just a young street urchin. When Dastan and his brothers invade a holy city, they find an unearthly power, guarded by a beautiful princess. He must flee with a dagger that holds sand in the handle, and when the sand is released, time is turned back. The princess, Tamina, needs the dagger back to prevent a horrible apocalypse that would be caused by the one Dastan least suspects.

This movie was what you would have expected. The dashing, courageous prince (who wasn't Persian), the wise, beautiful princess, and the treacherous uncle make the perfect action movie. At times, it reminded me of Pirates of the Caribbean, and sometimes of Aladdin. Disney movies, eh? However, for all its flaws, this movie is, in one word, awesome. The effects are gorgeous, and the fight scenes amazing. I especially enjoyed watched Dastan as a Persian ninja. The story was actually pretty unique, even though it uses the typical action movie formula. I would recommend it, although kids definitely shouldn't see it. There were parts that I was cringing in my seat because of the gore.

Rated PG-13
4 stars out of 5
-Maddy

Thursday, June 3, 2010

It's Complicated

This movie is about a divorced couple who start to see each other again. The husband, Jake (Alec Baldwin), is re-married to a younger woman , but him and his first wife, Jane (Meryl Streep), have an affair. Meanwhile, their son graduates college, and their daughter is getting married. Apart from the affair, Jane finds interest in her new architect (Steve Martin). The only person who knows of the affair is their soon-to-be son in law, who caught them in the act of getting a hotel room.

It's Complicated explains itself in the name. It's certainly complicated, interesting, attention-catching, and drop dead funny. I give this movie a thumbs up. Take note that this movie is rated R, and is DEFINITELY not for young children. I even had to watch this with my mom. But, this movie will have you on the floor gasping for breath. I liked it.
Rated PG-13
Thumbs UP
-Megan

Date Night

One overworked and tired couple from the 'burbs goes into the Big Apple for a simple dinner. A chance to get out of the house, away from the kids, and do something different. However, it all goes horribly wrong when they take the reservation of the Triplehorns, who are mixed up in some pretty nasty stuff. The couple must evade guns, sneak away from corrupted cops, and even drive an Audi.

This is the comedy of the season, especially for people like me who don't like raunchy, uncomfortable comedies but rather the outrageously implausible antics of idiotic ordinary people (like Carell's character on The Office and Fey's character on 30 Rock). A lot of the scenes were improvised, and the viewer can tell that Carell and Fey had almost too much fun filming this. However, there are tender moments about marriage that make even people who have no idea what it's like to be married say "Awww."

Rated PG-13
3-1/3 stars out of 5
-Maddy

How To Train Your Dragon

This is the timeless story of one person going against everything they ever knew for something they know is right and can help their loved ones. All Hiccup, the son of the leader of the Viking village, wants is to kill a dragon to make his father proud of him. Hiccup isn't like the other teenagers. He isn't brawny, he' s clever, and he's a complete klutz. So when he finds the dragon that has been alluding the hunters of his village, Hiccup thinks that this is finally his chance to prove himself. He ends up befriending and training the dragon, but his village can't find out.

This movie was refreshing and a pleasure to watch. The story was remarkably fresh, and I want to read the book now! Hiccup is endearing, and watching him grow is one of the best parts. The dragon reminded me of my black, green-eyed cat, especially in his mannerisms, which only added to my joy. My only complaint is the Scottish accent of the Vikings. They were Scandinavian, but I think that's my historical nitpicking coming out.

This movie may be emotionally tough for younger kids. I would say four or five years should be fine, and they will love it! All adults will love it, unless you hate fun.

Rated PG
5 stars
-Maddy

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Forrest Gump


Forrest Gump starts with a flashback story about a boy with polio. He was never supposed to be able to use his legs. But because of bullies, he brakes out of his leg braces and is able to run. His only friend, Jenny, remains with him throughout the story. As Forrest goes into the military, Jenny becomes a hippie. This long movie continues as Forrest tells it to random people at a bus stop.

The way the producers seemed to crop Tom Hanks into historical events is incredible and enjoyable. This movie is funny and sad at the same time. I give this movie a thumbs up.

Rated PG-13

Sunday, April 25, 2010

King Kong (1933)

The classic story of a fifty foot gorilla who falls in love with an American woman, this is the original 1933 version. The island that Kong lives on is a true blast to the past, full of dinosaurs, including a massive t-rex that fights Kong. The movie is a spectacular example of early special effects and is the most famous work of stop-motion animation pioneer, Willis O'Brien.

It doesn't need to be said that the special effects in King Kong are completely ridiculous compared to today's effects, so I won't linger on them, although some people might find it hard to take this movie seriously with them. However, I cannot understand why this story is so famous and a classic. It is even more ridiculous that the effects. Most of the movie is spent with a bunch of men running around in the jungle to rescue a blonde bombshell from Kong, fighting off dinosaurs and Kong himself. Putting aside that dinosaurs could still be alive (and a fifty foot gorilla), the audience is then asked to believe that a gorilla could fall in love with a human, which is, of course, crazy. This is a good movie for someone looking for something brainless and easy to watch, but nothing else. However, everyone should see this movie simply for the pop culture references.

2-1/2 stars out of 5
-Maddy

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Bolt

A movie star dog has no idea that the show isn't real. He truly believes that his "person" is in danger, and he has super powers. This dog escapes and get shipped to New York. Meeting a cat, who is considered a mortal enemy, and a hampster who is a huge fan, this trio make their way back to Hollywood. I thought it was kind of cheesey, but cute. Children will love it.
Thumbs HALFWAY.
-Megan

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Miss Congeniality


Miss Congeniality is a great movie. Basically any girl will enjoy this. A boy? Probably not, except for the cop scenes. Agent Hart goes undercover at a beauty pageant as Miss New Jersey. The movie shows this "Tom boy" turn into pretty much a fashion model. I personally love this movie and watch it every time it comes on TV. Sandra Bullock is as, always amazing. Please note that Miss Congeniality 2 is not as good as the first one. Although I guess it is entertaining.
Thumbs up.
-Megan

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Oscars 2009

Here is the official M3 Oscar review! Keep in mind that I did not see many of the movies nominated, but that will keep things interesting! If I didn't see any of the movies nominated in a category, I'll just state who won.

Leading Actor:
Who won- Jeff Bridges in Crazy Heart

Supporting Actor:
Who won- Christoph Waltz in Inglourious Basterds

Leading Actress:
Who won- Sandra Bullock in The Blind Side
Who should have won- Sandra Bullock

I only saw The Blind Side and Julie and Julia, and the prior really was the better movie with a better performance. And Meryl Streep will be back in the running next year anyway.

Supporting Actress:
Who won- Mo'Nique in Precious

Animated Feature:
Who won- Up
Who should have won- Up

The only other nominee I saw was Coraline, but it wasn't even a competition, even if I had seen all of them.

Art Direction:
Who won- Avatar

They created a whole new world, for goodness sake!

Cinematography:

Who won- Avatar

I didn't see any of the other nominees, but I have to say this: what cinematography? It was all special effects!

Costume Design:
Who won- The Young Victoria

Directing:
Who won- The Hurt Locker

First female director to win an Oscar! Good for Kathryn Bigelow.

Documentary Feature:
Who won- The Cove

Documentary Short:
Who won- Music by Prudence

Lady Kanye moment?

Film Editing:
Who won- The Hurt Locker

Foreign Language Film:
Who won- El Secreto de Sus Ojos (The Secret in their Eyes)

Makeup:
Who won- Star Trek

Did you see the ears?

Original Score:
Who won- Up

Original Song:
Who won- "The Weary King" from Crazy Heart

Short Films:
Animated- Logorama
Live Action- The New Tenants

Sound Editing:
Who won- The Hurt Locker

Sound Mixing:
Who won- The Hurt Locker
Who should have won- Avatar

Out of the nominees I saw (Avatar, Star Trek, Up), Avatar was the most impressive. But who put Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen in there?

Visual Effects:
Who won- Avatar (That was a shocker)

Screenplay:
Adapted- Precious
Original- The Hurt Locker

Best Picture:
Who won- The Hurt Locker

Out of the three I saw (Avatar, The Blind Side, Up), I think The Blind Side should have won.


-Maddy

Saturday, March 6, 2010

Happy Feet


An animated film about a "messed" up penguin who instead of singing, dances passionately. Mumble, and his friend Gloria have known each other since they were baby penguins. However, the elders of their penguin-colt-thing do not approve of this habbit at all. They blame Mumble for the loss of their fish, and they exile him. mumble journeys to exotic lands, meetes new penguins, and get abducted by "aliens", which are actually humans. While in what seems like a zoo, the humans discover Mumble's capabilty of dance, and send him back to his land.

This film truely has hidden meaning. After the word is released about the penguins and their fish, a heartbreaking montage is shown of a process in government debating the matter of the penguin's food supply. However, since this is a children's movie, it ends happily. Thumbs up.

Rated PG

-Megan

Alice in Wonderland

A retelling of the fantastic and classic story by Lewis Carroll, this Alice in Wonderland is a live action sequel to the original animated movie. It begins with 19 year old Alice (Mia Wasikowska), who has forgotten about her childhood adventures in everything but her dreams. When she falls back into the rabbit hole, Alice sees that "Underland" is completely different from her dreams, as the evil Red Queen (Helena Bonham Carter) is ruling the land. Only Alice can return the rule back to the White Queen (Anne Hathaway).

Alice in Wonderland proves to be yet another Tim Burton masterpiece, and, of course, has a fabulous performance from Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter. The Hatter proves to be absolutely mad, yet wise. Mia Wasikowska is, as Hatter says, "absolutely Alice." The whole cast was great. It also included the voice of Alan Rickman.

The visual effects are great in this, but not overpowering like they were in Avatar. And, for Tim Burton, this wasn't creepy at all. However, this movie was rather serious for a Disney movie, with not many laughs and the underlying theme of a war. It was good, though, and I'm not just saying that because I go to see anything Tim Burton or Johnny Depp do.

Rated PG
4 stars out of 5
-Maddy

Kate and Leopold

When a 19th century man, Leopold (Hugh Jackman), goes forward in time, and meets a 21st century business woman (Meg Ryan). She thinks he is an actor, and he can't comprehend women in pants. However, they learn to love each other and the times they were each born in.

Although the plot was a clever idea and has a great male lead, this movie falls flat. I was bored watching it and was constantly annoyed by Kate (Ryan). I don't particularly enjoy Meg Ryan's performances to begin with, and Kate was whiney and stereotypical. Hugh Jackman was a disappointment, although I think he couldn't do anything else with the script, as he was wide eyed and clueless for most of the movie.

This is the movie equivalent of a beach book; not very good, but it doesn't take any effort to watch it.

Rated PG-13
2 stars out of 5
-Maddy

Friday, March 5, 2010

The Wizard of Oz


A classic novel turned into a classic movie. Judy Garland has an amazing role in this film as Dorthy, a young woman from Kansas that is swept into a world of color by a huge twister. Unfortunately for Dorothy, her house that also gets swept away by the tornado land on the wicked witch of the East. Her sister, the wicked witch of the West, then seeks revenge on Dorothy and her new ruby slippers, taken off the feet of the dead witch.

Along with this magical scenery and story line, the true meaning of friendship is revealed as a group of people (or part animal in this case) go searching for the "wonderful wizard of Oz". A scarecrow, a tin man, and a cowardly lion are all in need of something human-like. Dorothy only wants to go home to Kansas. Witches and spells also crowd this world of munchkins and poppies. Good witches, bad witches, magic slippers, flying monkeys, this story is truly original.

This film is fun for the whole family. Drama, witchcraft, wild animals, and friendship are packed within this fantastic story. One of my all time favorites. My only problem with this movie has to be Toto, Dorothy's dog. I have nothing against the dog, just the role that the dog seems to have within the film. Why should Dorothy revolve her whole life around her dog? Risking her life to go back into the house when a twister is in view. Besides this, I love this movie.

Thumbs way way up.

-Megan

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Miracle on 34th Street


As you may possibly guess, I have a thing for black and white Christmas movies. Miracle on 34Th street is one of my favorites. Santa Claus is loved by children across the world, who believe in him deeply. However, do the kids keep their belief when they grow up? Well, the adults in this movie certainly do not.

So when Kris Kringle comes to town, he gets a job at Macy's working as the in-store Santa. Of course the adults have no idea that this guy is for real. But one little girl proves the truth. The little girl just so happens to be the daughter of an important worker at the Macy's store, who has no belief what so ever in Santa Claus.

The young girl develops her belief of Kris Kringle while sticking around who she believes to be the real one, who actually is the real one. Okay, I just confused myself. I'm not exactly good at explaining this part of the film, so I'll move on.

This movie is not entirely about children and Xmas. The young girl's mother, falls in love with their neighbor who happens to be a lawyer. This lawyer ends up defending good old Kris, when the people at macy's start to believe that he has lost it. That's when the famous scene occurs with the letters from kids across the world, get adressed to Santa and sent to the corthouse. This film is truley spectacular and great for all ages.

Huge thumbs up.

-Megan

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Up

This movie is Disney Pixar, which means that it is amazing. Anything Pixar touches turns to gold.

The story of an old man who wants to finally go to South America, following his and his wife's dreams, and the Wilderness Explorer (or Boy Scout), Russell, who gets caught up in the adventure of a floating house. They get some new friends, including a talking dog and a prehistoric bird.

This film is such a fun experience, and has a ridiculous amount of amazing features. Primarily, the story. The story is one of the deepest Pixar has pumped out, as it deals with aging, loss, family issues, remorse, redemption, friendship.... Need I go on? There are many quotable lines, especially from Dug, the talking dog. Let's shift gears here. The animals were brilliant! The talking dogs said exactly what you would expect a dog to say. I have a lab-retriever mix, and Dug is a golden retriever, and he was spot on! I was constantly reminded of my puppy. My veterinarian dad mentioned that Kevin, the giant bird, really moved and acted how scientists imagine prehistoric birds to move and act.

As I type this, I'm actually watching the director's commentary on the Up DVD (which has great features- I highly recommend it). The makers of this movie put so much thought and detail into the making of it; it's amazing.

I recommend this movie to anyone, from the youngest child to the high school jock to the prune juice drinking old man.

5 stars out of 5
Rated PG
-Maddy

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

It's a Wonderful Life


It's a Wonderful Life. A movie about an angel sent to help a man who had done good deeds his whole life. They magically start this 1946 film with the man's life story. George Bailey (James Stewart) saved his brother's life when he himself was only a young boy, sacrificing his hearing in one of his ears. He also saved a man from jail, and another death by spotting poison in the shop that he worked in. these are only two of the deeds he did in his life.

The story continues with how George gives up his college career for his loved ones. He gets married and has kids. He also proceeds to take over his father's business, a local bank. However his bank, as well as many other local businesses, are in danger of being forced to sell out to the richest man in town.
George heroically gives up his honeymoon with his new wife, (Donna Reed), to give money to the people of his bank during the Great Depression. However all of these issues put stress on poor George Bailey. George goes out to end his misery, but that's where the angel comes in. The angel continues to show George how the world would be without him; and it's not pretty.
This is one of my all time favorite Christmas movies, and it is appropriate for all ages, however younger children may get bored with it.
I love this movie, but do not get the color version, it will loose its black and white charm. It's a wonderful life? Yes it is.
Thumbs up.
-Megan

Hitch

Love is a complicated thing, and some men just don't get it. That's where Hitch (Will Smith) comes in. He is a love coach, the "date doctor." Hitch understands women, but he is up against the two greatest challenges of his career. An overweight and slightly dorky accountant (Kevin James) has hired Hitch to hook him up with a famous heiress. However, Hitch may be living too much of his own advice and be falling in love with a beautiful, yet realistic, gossip columnist (Eva Mendes). In the end, he might not know as much about women as he thought he did.

Honestly, this is one of my favorite chick flicks. All of the characters seem real, and of course Will Smith puts forward a great performance. Even my dad enjoyed it! It has a great message: stay true to yourself, and you might just find happiness. This is the type of movie you can watch over and over again; trust me, I have it on my iPod. This movie will make you laugh, as well. A fun movie overall for most occasions, I recommend it!
4 stars out of 5
Rated PG-13
-Maddy

Monday, March 1, 2010

Made of Honor


Made of Honor is your typical chick-flick movie. Guy and girl are best friends. Girl likes guy, guy does not return the feeling. Girl gives up, and finds someone else. THEN the guy likes her. Then the movie continues on with the guy trying to get the girl. That basically sums up this entire movie.

However, how they get to the ending is highly entertaining, with twists in the plot. For example, the main character, (played by Patrick Dempsey), happens to be a "player", having sexual relations with multiple women in a week. His best friend, the girl who is getting married, (played by Michelle Monaghan), has met him in an interesting manner, that cannot be described easily. You will have to view this movie to find out.

But, based on originality and entertainment, I give this movie a thumbs down, for it is not as enjoyable as it was advertised.

I do not reccomend this movie for smaller children for its high use of sexual content.

Rated PG-13

-Megan

Finding Neverland

Finding Neverland is the story of Sir James Barrie (Johnny Depp), the genuis who wrote the original Peter Pan, and how he was inspired to write the play. However, the story isn't all Peter Pan all the time. It is a heart-warming and truly touching tale about a widow (Kate Winslet), her four children (including Freddie Highmore in his first mainstream role), and how a man who is a child inside can help a fatherless family. Full of imagination and enchantment, this is not just a movie; it is based off a true story (key word "based": there are historical inaccuracies). It recieved six Academy Award nominations and won for best original score.


This is my all-time favorite movie, hands down. It is a charming story with great writing, gorgeous cinematography, and fabulous acting. Johnny Depp should have the Oscar (he was nominated), and Kate Winslet should have been nominated. There is great chemistry between the cast, and their performances may even make you cry. It is a movie for the whole family, unless someone is like my mom and can't stand movies with sad parts. Kids will love the ridiculous tales Barrie dreams up, starring his dog, and adults will love the real world difficulties and uplifting theme. However, it may be emotionally difficult for young children. I truly could go on and on about all the great aspects of this movie, but I will spare you.

5 stars out of 5
Rated PG
-Maddy

Saturday, February 27, 2010

The Invention of Lying


The Invention of Lying. The title pretty much explains itself. A man, who has lost his job, is considered a loser, and was rejected by a beautiful woman, is desperate for some happiness. This man, played by Ricky Gervais, finally decides to get what he wants. But how can this be done in a world that not only won't lie, but can't? Something inside him clicks, and he says something that cannot be undone.

This movie highly based on the spoof of God and everything considering the subject. Referring to "The Man in the Sky" for advice and help is only one of things that makes this funny, because it makes it seem that anything in our lives, when looked through a different perspective, can seem utterly ridiculous.

When the world discovers the idea of "The Man in the Sky", they certainly have many questions about the rules. To explain these rules, the main character writes them down on two pizza boxes which highly resemble the Ten Commandments. The civilians worship this image, and have it painted all over their churches, which they call humorously, "A Quiet Place to Think About The Man in the Sky." I only spoiled this scene to the public because this had to be my favorite part of the entire film.

This movie, shockingly, actually had two morals. First of all, right from the start, it shows that a "perfect world" where nobody lies would create a whole lot of chaos. That not many people get along, and more and more people would be depressed. It shows that religion gives people hope, and that it actually makes people a little bit happier. Second of all, this film shows what some people actually think. That they don't want to date someone because their looks are not appealing. The characters in this film are hung up about their genetic match and how it would affect their children. These people are obviously shallow. But we can not deny that we have thought it, at least once. That you reject someone because they are "chubby with a snub nose". Well, with the truth flying about every which way and that, it will always come back at you.

I must say though, even though this movie did not get amazing reviews from all of the professionals, I found this film amusing, and enjoyable. I do not recommend this movie for young children, due to harsh language and small sexual content. But overall, I give it a thumbs up.
Rated PG-13
-Megan

Push



Push is a movie about a bunch of super heroes around the globe that are being hunted, and killed. A young woman,(played by Camilla Belle), is the only person that escaped Division (the secret organization that is hunting the heroes down). A man, (Chris Evans), and a young child, (Dakota Fanning), get sucked into this complicated story line. Another group of people that also seem to be evil, are involved in this confusing plot. Somehow, all of these people are connected; and they bond together to get to their goal.

The whole point of this story is unclear, but it can be entertaining with a group of friends. But if you want to see a terrific story that is entertaining and touching, this is not the movie for you. This film is just not spectacular. Thumbs down.
Rated PG-13: for violence
-Megan

Monday, February 22, 2010

The Notebook


The Notebook. We have all heard of it. The romance, the fun, the sadness. Yes, all of these are a part of this spectacular movie about a young couple in love. But it comes with a twist. A story inside a story. A woman with dementia. A man with heart problems. Questions arise with who these people are. Why is this man taking his time to read a story to a woman who won't remember it? To find out you must watch this film.

The young couple. A summer romance only to be shattered by the girl's parents. The story continues slowly on to her new found love with a war hero, however the man becomes depressed, and gets fixed on multiple small projects.The young girl played spectacularly by Rachel McAdams, gets mixed up with adultery as she rediscovers her love with the young man, played by Ryan Gosling. You will be put in their shoes as you watch this young couple fall in and out of love. I highly reccomend this movie to woman, but not to men who can't stomach any point of sadness or misery. A classic chick-flick. A thumbs up.
Rated PG-13
-Megan

Valentine's Day


Love. A complicated mess. This movies (which some could consider a complicated mess) follows countless couples as they navigate Single Awareness Day... Excuse me, I meant Valentine's Day. With an all-star cast, you would think that there can be no wrongs.
The cast plays a group of Angelenos learning how to love, how to recover from misgiven love, and how to keep on loving. You would be surprised at how well the plot lines interweave with each other, and it is also surprising that a chick flick, which is probably the most predictable movie genre of them all, has some unexpected twists.
Although it is a cute and fun movie, it is only worthy of a night with the girls (which is how I saw it). It is one of the better chick flicks of late, as more sensitive guys will enjoy it if dragged out for a date night. However, if you are going to see your favorite actor/actress/hottie (Taylor Lautner fans pay attention), don't. There are so many characters and stories that demand attention, no one has a significant amount of screen time. The only characters you really get attached to are Ashton Kutcher's character and the cutest little boy you have seen in a romantic comedy since Sleepless in Seattle.
This movie does have some mature themes (barely 18 year olds learning the importance of waiting to sleep together), so don't take the younguns. And be prepared to wonder at Anne Hathaway's performance- this is one of the weirdest roles of her career. However, I marveled at her accent skills during the movie.
So, a GREAT rental for a girls' night in, but other than that, not worth much.
3 stars out of 5

Rated PG-13
-Maddy

American Graffiti

George Lucas's second (and somewhat autobiographical) feature film with an all-star cast, including Harrison Ford, Ron Howard, Mackenzie Phillips, Richard Dreyfuss, and Cindy Williams. It tells the story of four boys and the three girls who tag along with them on the final night of summer. The high school aged kids all are cruising around town in their now-vintage cars. It has all of the types you ever went to school with: Milner, the tough guy, Curt, the quiet thinker, Steve, the all-American class president, Terry, the nerd, Carol, the tomboy, Debbie, the bad girl, and Laurie, the good girl. This movie also had many firsts, such as: it was the first movie to have a soundtrack of contemporary music and was also the first movie to tell multiple, interwoven plotlines.

I recommend this movie for anyone who loves good, old-fashioned fun. It is not something you would expect from George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars. It has the good messages of valuing your friends, but don't look too deeply. This movie is pure fun- no great themes, messages, philosophical ideas, etc. Actually, there are more bad ideas that could come from this movie than good. Even so, I know I've said this multiple times, but it is fun. However, I feel I must warn you. Be prepared to learn who the characters are unless you want to be very confused. Please, enjoy, but don't take too seriously.
3-1/2 out of 5 stars
Rated PG
-Maddy

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Fantastic Mr.Fox


Fantastic Mr.Fox is about a family of foxes who have a cousin come to live with them until his father recovers from a grave illness. Meanwhile, Mr.Fox, an ex-bird stealer, gets wound up in a sticky situation with some local farmers. Because of the cousin's superb physical skills, he gets drawn into the fight while the son constantly tries to live up to his father's legacy.


Fantastic Mr.Fox is a movie that is a great example for children of all ages. It shows that although taking risks can be exciting, they bring along with them consequences that can only be sorted through extraordinary measures, until eventually everything falls apart. This movie also shows the importance of family and friends through an exciting and humorous story. The animals, although act human, eat like savages as any person would expect an animal to do. The characters add to the joy and charm of this movie, which is definitely worth taking time to view. Overall this movie deserves a thumbs up.
Rated PG
-Megan